Tuesday, July 21, 2026 -A pastor, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, has been convicted and sentenced to d3ath by hanging for the m8rder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Basseyj over witchcraft in Calabar, Cross River.
Etim was sentenced on Monday, July 20, 2026 by the High
Court No. 11, presided over by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu,
Etim k!lled Deborah, who suffered from Down's syndrome,
after she slipped and fell while disposing her faeces on February 15, 2025 in
their residence at No. 7 Jacob Street off Eyo Edem, Calabar South LGA.
The pastor had earlier alleged that the deceased was a witch
and a snake.
The conviction was secured by the Basic Rights Counsel
Initiative (BRCI) a non-governmental organization protecting the rights of
women and children.
Commenting on the judgment, James Ibor, Esq., Principal
Counsel of BRCI, lauded all the parties involved for ensuring the victim gets
justice.
According to Ibor, Deborah's d3ath highlights the dangers of
witchcraft branding which targets children, particularly those with
disabilities.
“Deborah’s tragic d3ath exposed the devastating consequences
of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to endanger the lives
of children, particularly children living with disabilities,” the lawyer said.
"Across many communities, false accusations of
witchcraft have resulted in rejection, torture, abandonment, and even the
k!lling of innocent children.
"Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts
are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the
law.
"This judgment is not only justice for Deborah; it is
also a significant milestone in the ongoing fight to end witchcraft branding
and other harmful practices against children.
"It reinforces the fundamental principle that every
child has the right to life, dignity, and protection.
"Basic Rights Counsel Initiative expresses its sincere
appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force; the Honourable Attorney General of
Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, for repositioning the Ministry of Justice
and strengthening the prosecution of serious criminal cases; and the Judiciary
for its unwavering commitment, diligence, and impartiality in ensuring that
justice was served.
"We also extend our profound gratitude to Mr. Okoi
Ukam, the learned Director of Public Prosecutions; Patrick Usang, Esq.; Deborah
Tom, Esq.; and Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital
(UCTH) for their professionalism, dedication, and invaluable contributions to
securing justice.
"Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to our partners:
Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and the Basic
Rights Counsel Initiative team, for standing with Deborah’s mother and siblings
by providing financial assistance and psychosocial support to the survivors of
this horrific crime.
"Basic Rights Counsel Initiative remains steadfast in
its commitment to ending witchcraft branding, protecting children from
violence, and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are brought to
justice.
“The campaign against witchcraft branding is gaining
momentum, and we will continue to work tirelessly until every child is free
from harmful accusations, abuse, and violence.”
Describing how how Deborah d!ed, her brother, Bassey said at
around 4pm, he went to open the door where his sister was locked up to assist
her dispose her faeces. But theur father insisted she dispose it herself.
She did and, on her way back to the room, slipped and fell
on the floor.
Bassey called on their father, who on entering the room,
asked him to leave while he attended to her.
The children were shocked when, after a long while, their
father called them into the room and announced to them that their elder sister
had passed on.
According to Apostle Ubong's estranged wife, who had been
locked in a custody with the suspect over their three children, this was not
the first act of violence.
“We have suffered severe physical abuses leading to my
running away,” she said.
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